Budunyi Primary School in Budunyi Village, Buluguyi Sub County, Bugiri district is a government-owned institution with 673 pupils from Primary 1 to Primary 7 with only four classrooms. The consequences were felt keenly by the students of Primary 4, 5, and 6, who had to seek unconventional learning spaces, be it under the shade of a tree or in makeshift structures, especially in the afternoons when younger pupils had returned home.

The Concerned parents brought the issue to the User Committee, which, in turn, approached the Buluguyi Cooperative Advocacy Committee for help. During the planning and budgeting cycle for the 2022/23 fiscal year, this problem was presented at the village planning meeting, then forwarded to the parish level. However, during the prioritization process at the parish level, some local leaders favored improving feeder roads and constructing staff quarters, overshadowing the dire need for classrooms. This prompted the advocacy committee to engage with the LC chairman, leading to a scorecard assessment that reprioritized the construction of a three-classroom block.

Thanks to the advocacy committee’s relentless efforts, the project made its way into the Sub County’s budget conference, and funds were allocated and released promptly. Construction began, with the advocacy committee actively monitoring budget implementation.

A pivotal moment came when the contractor deviated from the project specifications, creating a shallow foundation instead of the required depth due to the rocky terrain. The advocacy committee didn’t hesitate to contact the District Engineer, who provided the correct specifications and pressured the contractor to follow the specifications in the bill of quantities. They ensured that taxpayers’ money was well-spent, setting an example for responsible government projects.

Today, the pupils of Primary 4, 5, and 6 have a solid roof over their heads, ensuring uninterrupted learning, even though the pupil-to-classroom ratio remains high. The story of Budunyi Primary School showcases how a dedicated Advocacy Committee turned their aspirations into reality through persistence, active engagement, and vigilant monitoring. The construction of the three-door classroom block stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment to improving the lives and futures of the children in Budunyi village.